Disney Finally Commits to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, First Release Named

Hollywood director James Gunn has revealed the worst kept secret in Hollywood - Disney is getting into the Ultra HD Blu-ray game. And we now know the title and even the release date of the first 4K disc from the studio.

While using the Blu-ray moniker, Ultra HD Blu-ray is in fact a new disc format that isn't compatible with existing Blu-ray players (4K disc players will be able to play all existing standard Blu-ray titles though). To take full advantage of the format's improved resolution and color range, users will also need to have a compatible 4K TV that support features such as HDR.

Those that have been following Blu-ray sales results will have noticed that many new releases, especially major releases, all now come with Ultra HD Blu-ray editions. But there is still one major studio, the biggest one in fact, that has so far stayed away from the 4K disc format - Disney.

This will change August 22 with the release of 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' on home video, and this will be the first title from Disney to be published on the Ultra HD Blu-ray format.

The news of the release comes from a rather unorthodox source, with 'Guardians' director James Gunn confirming on Facebook that his movie will have the honor of being Disney's first 4K release.

"Yes, it's true, & I am UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED to announce that, after a couple of years of me begging and pleading, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be coming to home video in 4K UltraHD. It will be the FIRST Disney release to be released this way," Gunn posted on Facebook.

Gunn says that an official announcement from Disney will be made soon on this news, but fans are already hoping the announcement will include 4K release information on other Disney properties, namely other Marvel movies as well as the new Star Wars films.